Attack, stamina crucial in new format

Akhil Kumar

|

Updated: Aug 06, 2012 00:35 IST

First of all, I would like to say that all systems are fraudulent if someone loses. Yes, ostensibly the new points system seems to be flawed, but if you delve into details then I think it is fine. Another thing is that amateur boxing is always fraught with controversies. Every Olympics, there’s been problems.

The new system gives advantage to boxers like us who want to attack and land punches. This system also requires more stamina and endurance, because you have to keep hitting. That’s why you find boxers getting tired in this format. For those who defend and play on the counter, this format will not work to their advantage because here they take the average, wherein every point counts. When you talk about computerised scoring, this is the real one because the computer is computing the scores of all the (five) judges, not just taking into account the valid punches recorded by three or more judges.

How format worksThe new scoring system does not require the judges to press the button simultaneously within one second of the punch being landed to be recorded as an accepted point. This implies there is no more accepted score based on three judges pressing within one second.

Scoring of blows The new AIBA scoring system only considers individual scores of all the five judges. Each judge can independently press the button for as many number of legitimate scoring blows that he has seen from his position. If he sees a combination of three punches landing correctly as scoring blows, he can press the button three times. In the old system, probably only one point would have been accepted by the combination of three judges pressing within one second. Finally, the top and bottom scores of the judges are removed and the remaining three’s average is taken into account. However, the warning(s) given to a boxers are added to the final score after the bout.

Close call for ManojI have seen the bouts of both Vikas (Kishan) and Manoj Kumar. They have really played well. But if you look at it, I think more than anything else, it’s the referee’s mistake. He shouldn’t have lifted Errol Spence’s (US) hand first. I think it was a very close bout. It could have been anyone’s match. Now what the international boxing federation has done is shift the blame on the referee whose warnings they say they didn’t take into account. Interestingly, warnings don't convert into points.I felt Manoj Kumar boxed well and deserved to win. But here again, he was fighting against a boxer from Great Britain. And in boxing, home advantage counts. It sways the judges’ verdict in your favour.